The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS is preparing to deploy new cargo scanners and an electronic tracking system designed to reduce physical inspections, curb cargo diversion, detect prohibited goods and improve revenue collection.
The systems underwent a two-week Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) in China from October 9 to 20, 2026, ahead of shipment to Nigeria.
The exercise was conducted by a joint delegation of the NCS and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) at the facility of Nuctech Company Limited, the equipment manufacturer.
Led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, the team carried out technical checks to verify that the Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) met contractual specifications and global operational standards.
The two systems are designed to work together to improve cargo examination and enable real-time monitoring of consignments from ports to their destinations.
Adebakin said the deployment would support faster cargo clearance, reduce cargo dwell time, strengthen the detection of concealed and prohibited items, improve revenue generation and facilitate legitimate trade.
She said the service was committed to deploying technology suited to its operational needs and capable of improving trade facilitation and national security.
The Acting Comptroller of Non-Intrusive Inspection, Umar Madugu, said the scanners would reduce reliance on 100 per cent physical examination, minimise human contact during cargo checks, curb diversion and improve operational efficiency across Customs formations.
Representing TMPL, its General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described the factory tests as a milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project, saying the integration of scanning equipment and electronic cargo tracking was central to building a more transparent, technology-driven Customs system.
Nuctech Project Manager, Niu Chao, pledged the company’s support through equipment delivery, technical assistance, capacity building and after-sales services.
Technical personnel from the NCS and TMPL also received training in the operation, handling and maintenance of the equipment to support its deployment and long-term use in Nigeria.